As the sacred month of Kartik approaches, Bhakti Vijnana Goswami has released a video message where he urges devotees to intensify their spiritual resolve. He describes Kartik as uniquely charged with divine energy, a time when Śrimātṛṇī (the original energy of the Lord) is especially receptive to devotional offerings. When she is pleased, Krishna is pleased—so practitioners undertake vows, increase their rounds of chanting, and observe stricter dietary disciplines to align with the heightened spiritual atmosphere.
Bhakti Vijnana Goswami notes the connection to the churning of the ocean (Mahāmānan̄taraṇa), where a prolonged effort yields successive gifts—some initially bitter, but ultimately illuminating. Chanting the Holy Name may appear uneventful at first, yet through sustained dedication, the “fruits” of spiritual life slowly emerge. He warns against being swayed by temporary gains and encourages practitioners to keep their focus on prema, the pure love of God, which alone bestows immortality beyond any material benefit.
To mark this month, devotees observe many practices: offering lamps (symbolizing the ignition of inner love), reciting Dāmodara-aṣṭaka, honoring the narratives of Krishna’s pastimes (like the churning of the ocean), and sanctifying their daily routine through heightened discipline. Bhakti Vijnana Goswami reminds seekers that missing this opportunity would be a spiritual oversight; the potency of Kartik, if embraced with sincerity, leads to a deepening connection and the assurance that devotional results will indeed manifest.
To hear the entire message, click here.
Source: https://iskconnews.org/cultivating-the-lamp-of-divine-love-during-kartik/
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